"We are responding to passenger demand for increased travel choice within the Middle East by adding a significant player from the region."

From its hubs in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, Saudia's network encompasses the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent and northern Africa.

Its membership adds 51 new destinations to SkyTeam's global network, including 23 within Saudi Arabia. Other international destinations include Pakistan's capital Islamabad, the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, and Alexandria in Egypt.

Prior to joining SkyTeam, Saudia embarked on a four-year turnaround programme that it aims to complete by 2013. This includes changing its corporate identity and name to Saudia, which it used from 1972 to 1996.

As part of its transformation plan, the airline has also modernised its IT, commercial, operational and financial platforms. It has also embarked on a fleet renewal plan by ordering 90 new aircraft.